A safer way into the water could soon be on the horizon for Gordons Bay, with Randwick set to investigate improvements to the well-used entry point that has welcomed swimmers, snorkellers, kayakers, surfers, and divers for more than two decades.
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The proposed project focuses on a section of uneven rock platform beyond the existing footpath at the secluded bay between Coogee Beach and Clovelly. Working alongside the Gordons Bay SCUBA Diving Club, Randwick’s local officials will investigate smoothing and levelling about 12 metres of rock where people enter the water. The area is exposed to southerly swells at low and mid tides, making footing more challenging depending on conditions.
Before any work can proceed, the investigation will identify the approvals required from Crown Lands and other authorities, explore potential funding opportunities including NSW grants, and report back on the findings.
A Popular Coastal Spot
Tucked between Coogee Beach and Clovelly Beach, Gordons Bay attracts visitors looking for a quieter coastal setting. The bay is reached on foot via the coastal walkway, with access available from either Coogee Beach or Clovelly Beach.
Visitors reach the shoreline via raised boardwalks that wind through a deep gully. The boardwalks protect native vegetation and a small wetland fed by a natural spring, while the beach is lined with boats belonging to the local fishing club. Dense vegetation also provides habitat for small birds and lizards.
The final few metres before reaching the water can require extra care, particularly when conditions are unsettled. Divers familiar with the site note that access is via a gently sloping concrete path leading onto a rock platform, while the final approach can become slippery. Divers also advise that the rocky entry and exit point can be hazardous, particularly when swell increases, recommending guided dives for first-time visitors because knowing where to step is important even on relatively calm days.
Despite those challenges, Gordons Bay is a well-known shore diving destination in Sydney. Beneath the surface lies the Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail, where a chain of numbered plaques guides divers and snorkellers through habitats that support a rich variety of marine life. The bay is also popular with underwater photographers, free divers and marine enthusiasts when conditions are favourable.
The planned investigation reflects the site’s popularity across a broad range of recreational users. By examining ways to improve footing where people enter the water, the proposal aims to improve safety while remaining subject to environmental and planning approvals.
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Any future construction remains subject to further assessment, approvals and funding. For now, the next step is a detailed investigation into what improvements are possible before any work proceeds.
Published 30-July-2026
